Long Trail Questions

[jmegillon149]

here's a few questions regarding the Long Trail:

1. When exactly does it reopen? The GMC website says Memorial day, but does that mean thats the first weekend hiking is reallowed, or not until after memorial day. I would like to do a three day backpack out that way.

2. How fast do the shelters generally fill up at that time? Would like to go light and not bring a tent, but with most of the places being pretty small, not sure if thats a good idea. I was thinking of one of the three shelters in the Ellen-Abraham vicinity.

3. Is there a shuttle system like there is in the Whites?/What is the hitchhiking situation? It seems there are no real loop possibilities, and an out an back is the only real one car/one person possibility other than catching a ride somehow.

 

[sli74]

Only certain areas are closed, not the entire Long Trail, so it depends where you want to do the backpacking trip.

This time of year the shelters don't fill up as quickly and in general, the shelters North of Killington don't fill up as quickly since the AT splits off in Killington. The area near Abraham and Ellen are very nice and there are shelters pretty close to each other. I still carry a small lightweight tent in case of an emergency, or maybe a bivy.

I did it as a thruhike so I am not aware of the answers to your last question. Good Luck and have fun !

sli74

 

[JCE]

Consider calling Green Mountain Club

You may want to consider giving the Green Mountain Club a call at 802-244-7037. Get the info from the horses mouth.

 

[una_dogger]

All good advice, I'd add...

Additionally, in the back of the End to Enders Guide put out by the GMC you'll find a list of GMC members who offer rides for a small fee/donation.

I found hitching along the LT to be incredibly easy, with the exception of the road that goes between Rutland and Killington.

Have a great hike!

 

[poison ivy]

Thank you, thank you thank you una_dogger for pointing out that shuttler's list. I have the End-to-Ender's Guide and somehow missed it.

- Ivy

 

[Peaks]

Bus

If you have problems getting a hitch along Route 4 between Killington and Rutland, there is always the bus that runs about every hour.

 

[pedxing]

Q 2: I thru-hiked in peak season and never saw anyone turned away. One high use shelter I stayed at on a Saturday night ended up having a person sleep on the floor of the porch, but that was the only time there wasn't bunk space. In the North, I had a couple shelters all to myself. Still, I'd suggest at least having a tarp for emergency shelter.

Q 3: Hitch hiking was pretty good and pretty easy. There are people who like to feel connected to the trail and are happy to pick you up. I had two unsolicited offers of rides while doing the one extended road walk.

Try the LT forum at trailforums.com if you are interested in shuttles. Ask about shuttles and you'll get up to date info and maybe an offer. I got a ride from a guy from White River Junction to Journey's End that way. The shuttler knew the LT very well - I got a briefing, good company, a chance to ask last minute questions and a ride. All that, and I had to push a bit just to get him take gas money in return for his kindness (a kindness I intend to pass on - which I guess was his point).

 

[TJ aka Teej]

another forum to try

Whiteblaze.net has a Long Trail sub-forum
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=417
1. That's the recommended northbound starting date due to 'Mud Season'
2. In July and August, weekends will often see full shelters north of the AT junction.
3. My thumb has always provided the best shuttles!
4. Have fun!

 

[Tuco]

I have hiked on the LT Memorial Day weekend (before Memorial Day) with no problem.

Saw plenty of others as well.

Its more of a if the area is really muddy try and choose other hikes issue. Agree you can contact GMC for best answer.

 

[JCE]

The base notes asks:

1. When exactly does it reopen? The GMC website says Memorial day, but does that mean thats the first weekend hiking is reallowed, or not until after memorial day. I would like to do a three day backpack out that way.

I called the GMC today and they said its open this Saturday (morning) 5/27.

I may plan to do Mansfield on Saturday, - have to see what other things look like.

/JCE